Kayaking

Kayak camping is not that different from backpacking. Much of the same stuff you would use for backpacking also works for kayak camping, but you don’t have to carry all the load on your back, so you can comfortably take, for example, a stove in your kayak.

This post is meant to provide some thoughts on how to use the gas stove on your kayak for camping.

The Benefits of a White Gas Stove

The best kayak camping stoves are small, compact, lightweight – and easy to fix on the shore or in the backcountry.

Most sea kayakers in North America will be well served by any one of the wide variety of white gas and butane stoves on the market, including those by MSR, Coleman and Eastern Mountain Sports.

Whisperlite is a good representative example. It comes from MSR, or Mountain Safety Research in Seattle, Washington.

Fuel

The Whisperlite, like all white gas stoves, burns fuel available at outdoors stores and outfitters like REI, EMS MEC, and any number of chain stores like K-Mart and Wal-Mart.

White gas is sold either under the brand name Coleman fuel – or just as generic white gas – in one-gallon containers. Generic white gas is just as good but much cheaper than branded fuel.

Fixability

The advantage of stoves like the MSR Whisperlite is not only that the fuel is inexpensive: the stoves are designed and manufactured with simplicity and easy fixability. They’re also durable, made from stainless steel, aluminum, and brass, and throw a lot of heat fast, even if the amount of heat is not all that easy to control.

With only a few moving parts and with a dis-assembly sequence that involves just a thumb screw here and there, white gas stoves are easy to repair in the field. You use a single multi-tool, supplied, to disassemble the stoves, clear clogs, and put them back together.

Shake for maintenance!

The current generation of white gas burning stoves incorporates a simple floating pin which, when you shake the stove, clears the burner and fuel line of soot and clogged fuel.

Maintenance for these stoves typically involves picking the stove up and shaking it until you hear its pin rattle. The rattle lets you know that the weighted pin moves forward and back, clearing the fuel jet of clogs and soot.

For clogs in the fuel line, you unscrew the fuel line with the supplied multi-tool and snake the braided fuel line cable back and forth in the fuel line a dozen times or so.

White gas stoves for kayak camping include five basic components: a priming cup, fuel jet, burner, fuel line and pump, sold as an all-in-one unit but replaceable as individual parts.

Extras to buy

The only part you’ll have to buy is an aluminum fuel bottle that attaches to the fuel pump.

One additional component you’ll need is a plastic base that does a good job of keeping the stove upright if you camp on the sand. The U-shaped stands come with clips that provide a solid base and rigid footprint for the stove to prevent its tipping over or sinking in the sand.

Most sea kayak campers will find that quality white gas stoves, which run under $100 these days, are usually sold as loss leaders by larger outdoors retailers who hope you’ll buy the stove and something else, like a tent.

One brand sea kayakers give excellent reviews of for reliability, durability, high heat and easy maintenance is the MSR Whisperlight Shaker Jet (Shaker Jet is a little pin inside the fuel line that cleans out the nozzle when the stove is shaken).

Just keep in mind that the product name Whisperlight is somewhat of a misnomer. Spark up this stove up after heating its priming cup, and anyone who grew near a jet airport will feel right at home. These small stoves emit a high-pitched loud to bring to mind the word jet in the brand name Shakerjet.

Loudness aside, these are remarkably hard-working compact stoves: the entire unit, fuel bottle included, fit easily into a bag the size of a toddler’s winter hat. Just the right size to stash into a day hatch.

One of the greatist things about kayaking is that it can be remarkably safe and beginner-friendly activity. But it is good to learn safety rules before heading out on the water.

Understanding the risks and hazards of kayaking makes paddling safely surprisingly easy if you follow a few simple rules.

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Similarly, as with every single recreational action, there is dependably the likelihood of damage or demise. Continuously utilize good judgment and take all safety rules seriously.

Safety rules that all boaters ought to take after

Know about climate conditions and water temperature. Plan for changes in climate and the likelihood of an overturn. On the off chance that paddling in the cold water, a wet suit or dry suit can keep you warm and agreeable. In a warm climate, a long sleeve shirt can give sun assurance.

Put resources into suitable attire for your atmosphere. One preferred standpoint of sit-inside kayaks is that you can shield yourself from a portion of the components, while sit-on-tops abandon you more uncovered. Dress for the day.

Be careful with seaward breezes that make it hard to come back to shore.

Continuously look after the sculling rules of the zone you’re in.

Never blend liquor or medications (medicine or non-remedy) with drifting.

Never surpass the weight limit of your kayak and dependably check your gear for wear and tear before you paddle.

Look over self-safeguard first in quiet, warm, shallow water, and again in more extraordinary conditions.

Above all, wear your own floatation device. Drift Guard controls require that all kayaks have a lifejacket with them. Wearing your lifejacket will help keep your head above water and add protection to your body, keeping you warmer in icy water. There are extraordinary PFDs planned particularly for paddlers. Get one that fits well, and always wear it while you paddle.

Tell somebody your oar design, which incorporates: where you are going, what you will do, to what extent you hope to be gone and what number of individuals are in your gathering. At that point adhere to your arrangement.

Paddling in the surf zone or in streams can be perilous. Continuously wear a head protector.

Remain hydrated. Continually bring a lot of water and nourishment.

While paddling in another territory, check with local people in regards to streams, shoreline conditions and climate designs. Plan an “escape” course – an elective place to get off the water should ecological conditions direct it. Submitting to these rules will influence your kayak to experience more secure and fun.

Stay safe while kayaking

It is essential to check conditions, for example, climate and tides before going out in your kayak. Regardless of whether you are going on a multi-day outing or simply paddling for an evening, monitoring current conditions can enable you to design a more protected and proficient trek.

Gear Recommendations

The gear vital for kayaking can shift as per the kind of trek being taken. A few frills you can’t manage without, similar to an oar and PFD, while others may not be basic for each trek, but preferably can have a vast influence in keeping you safe and making your excursion more agreeable.

Like most sports, the sky’s the cutoff if you need additional items for your kayak.

Incorporate a backrest to help paddle more pleasantly, scupper plugs to keep your self-safeguarding cockpit drier, and dry sacks are essential for putting away apparatus. You can likewise purchase accessories for exploring, jumping, angling, and that’s just the beginning. On the off chance that you intend to take your kayak on an auto top frequently, you’ll find that a hard rack framework is worth the investment.